xix, 518 pages, 16 unnumbered pages of plates : 24 cm

The legendary life and entrepreneurial vision of Fred Harvey helped shape American culture and history of three generations--from the 1880's all the way through World War II--and still influence our lives today. Stephen Fried re-creates the life of this unlikely American hero, the founding father of the nation's service industry, whose remarkable family business civilized the West and introduced America to Americans

Maps on endpapers

Includes bibliographical references (pages 439-488) and index

Part One: Fred discovers America (and vice versa), 1853-1901 -- Pot Walloper -- The last train stop in America -- A gentleman among the Bleeding Kansans -- Railroad warrior -- Opportunistic sponge -- Savage and unnatural feeding -- They'll try anything -- Suited to the most exigent or epicurean taste -- Cowboy victualer -- Viva Las Vegas -- We are in the wilds, we are not of them -- Harvey girls -- Like a house afire -- Acute Americanitis -- Transcontinental Fred -- Biting the hand -- The biggest catered lunch in American history -- Let the boys do it -- Rough ridden -- The clutches of the grim monster -- Part Two: Exceeding the Standard, 1901-1948 -- A little journey in the wilderness -- The Fred Harvey Indian Department -- Tenth Legion -- On the very brink of the dizzy gulf -- Trainiacs -- Kansas City Stars -- National parking -- Daring young Freddy and his flying machines -- Soroptimistas -- The roar of the twenties -- Santa fated -- A wonderful live toy to play with -- Poised for takeoff -- Ford Harvey has a cold -- Freddy spreads his wings -- Pay no attention to that crashing sound -- Loaves and fishes -- Heir raising -- Great expectations -- Tailspin -- Kitty blinks -- Private Pringle to the rescue -- The spies at La Fonda -- Big Hollywood ending -- Epilogue -- Appendix I: The grand tour of Fred Harvey's America -- Appendix II: Meals by Fred Harvey -- Appendix III: Fred was here: a master list of Fred Harvey locations -- Acknowledgments & Outshouts -- Freditor's notes & sources -- Bibliography -- Index

Kansas Notable Book, 2011

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